Ex-Strictly judge to be government 'dance champion'

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips is to become a government 'dance champion', it has been revealed.

The experienced choreographer, who was recently ousted from her position on the BBC1 show in favour of younger model Alesha Dixon, has been appointed by the Department of Health to encourage the nation to improve their fitness through dancing.

Ms Phillips will be joined by a number of other well-known faces, including former Strictly competitor Lisa Snowdon and professional Darren Bennett.

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The group will be tasked with boosting the number of people who participate in dancing in the run up to the 2012 London Olympics.

The move is part of health secretary Andy Burnham's vision for a fitter England, which he set out in a speech today (August 13th).

'We are a sport-loving nation but we are simply nowhere near as active as we should be,' the minister claimed.

'Promoting active lifestyles is the simple answer to many of the big challenges facing our country today.'

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